‘Tis the season in Hamilton! Between the falling snow and the mounting stress of finals, it’s hard not to look forward to the holidays. If you’re searching for the perfect productive break from your mountains of papers and avalanches of exams, head downtown and check off some holiday shopping at one of Hamilton’s local stores or boutiques.

Gift the creative friend an art class at the Hamilton Center for the Arts. Select from adult, child or teen classes for the chance to finally try your hand at a new hobby, or else embrace a forgotten talent. While you’re there, browse from a selection of paintings for sale by local artists that are sure to brighten up your space.

Littoral Line Studio is a small business with a big personality, and the perfect place to find artisanal and home goods in Hamilton for anyone on your list. Littoral has a wide-ranging selection of jewelry, decor, candles soaps and other unique goods from over 30 artists. While you browse, you can be confident that you’re supporting individual makers and securing personal gifts at the same time.

A husband and wife are the minds behind Swank By Design, an interior design company with a variety of high-scale goods to liven up any home. If you’re shopping for the stylish friend who loves to host, Swank has you covered with decorative pillows, scented candles and even cocktail kits that are sure to elevate any dinner party or intimate gathering. Junior Nick Larson found the perfect gift here for his parents.

“I got them these nice Colgate coasters,” Larson said. “My parents really loved bringing a little touch of Hamilton home.”

For the fashion-forward friends or family, Shol’s Boutique is the perfect combination of chic and intimate, touting a collection of name-brands as well as lesser-known but equally high quality products. This shop offers everything from Free People to Gorjana, and will even offer style advice so you’re never left guessing “fit” or “flop.”

Junior Ava Kopelan found that Shol’s offers a wide selection of memorable gifts.

“I loved their selection of jewelry, and purchased my mom a necklace for her birthday,” Kopelan explains. “She wears it everyday! I think Shol’s is a great place to shop for my family.”

The Colgate Bookstore continues to be the number one stop for Colgate University gear with a wide selection of gifts. Buy jewelry, stylish winter clothes and even kitchenware when you go to return unopened textbooks. Plus, peruse a selection of the year’s best reads alongside plushes and kids’ toys, not to mention Colgate sweatshirts, polos, hats and more for the family to rep all year long.

For junior Abigail Fenton, the Colgate Bookstore has provided ample opportunities to purchase gifts for loved ones.

“Last year, I found a pair of earrings at the Bookstore that I knew my sister would love,” Fenton explained. “To this day, she wears them all the time, and says they are her favorite pair!” 

If your loved one’s a coffee connoisseur, look no further than FoJo Beans. Veteran-owned and LGBTQ certified, FoJo Coffee prioritizes sustainable growth and fair trade ingredients, so you can give the gift of peace of mind in every cup. With their wide variety of flavorful brews, it’s impossible to go wrong with FoJo.

Alternatively, to share a taste of Hamilton head to Maxwell’s for a selection of chocolates and ice creams, including their signature gift boxes filled with tasty chocolates that are sure to satisfy the friend with a sweet tooth. Be sure to look out for seasonal specialties and even baked goods that can be shipped home. 

If your hometown friends are tired of hearing about “Flosa,” clue them in by purchasing a shirt or mug from one of Hamilton’s most notorious breakfast spots. Bring home a taste of the cozy cafe in the form of gift boxes with specialty pastries and bread, so you can recreate iconic Sunday mornings at Flour and Salt, now in the comfort of your own home.

This year, reduce the stress of gift-giving by shopping local. Hamilton’s small town charm might mean a trip to Target during finals week is out of the question, but you’re sure to find a wide array of unique and personal gifts without travel … if you know where to look! Embrace the snowy scenes, delight at the lighted tree at the Hamilton Green and support small businesses as you find the perfect presents for friends and family.